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Leave your buffalo checks behind, because this spring, plaid’s warm-weather cousin — gingham — is all the rage. The feminine, classic print is back in full force, thanks to designers such as Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and Altuzzara, who all re-envisioned the iconic print in fresh and unexpected ways.

We’re not talking about your grandmother’s tablecloth here.

“I think it was about time to rethink traditional gingham,” local fashion blogger Kira Paran says. “Everyone loves a new take on an old classic.”

From daring, milkmaid-inspired duds and sultry gowns, to ladylike skirts and fitted tops, this season’s crop of gingham was decidedly grown-up on the catwalk. Fashion lovers whose shopping habits are a little more down to Earth can also appreciate the diverse selection of sweet checks available, with plenty of options for every style and budget.

“Gingham is a fashion staple, like polka dots and stripes — it will never go out of style,” wardrobe stylist Marie Zydek says. “Just like floral prints, we see gingham in stores every spring and summer because it’s a classic, versatile print that looks good on everyone.”

“I love that it’s coming out with so many colour variations to choose from,” Paran adds. “The possibilities are endless.”

But with a sea of bucolic pattern options to choose from, narrowing down one’s spring shopping list can feel slightly overwhelming.

“Look for A-line skirts and crop tops; long-sleeved, collared button-ups you can wear under a solid-coloured blazer with the sleeves rolled up; or a pencil skirt that you can pair with a denim shirt and a statement necklace,” Zydek recommends.

“Even a short-sleeved gingham dress worn with a solid-coloured belt would be a great option.”

Just skip the bigger checks to avoid channelling the picnic-friendly textile’s more geriatric predecessors, Zydek advises.

For the sartorially brave, doubling up on checked prints would make for an eye-catching ensemble, one that would get a stamp of approval from style influencers like Paran.

“When pairing two gingham prints, wear a large, blown-up version of the print with a micro-gingham that has a cohesive primary colour, or stay in the same size and colour family for a more powerful look,” Paran says, noting that pastels would work particularly well in either case.

“If you’re a beginner to mixing prints, I would suggest combining patterns, gingham or otherwise, that are similarly hued,” Zydek offers. “You can also use accessories to mix prints; for example, you could wear a striped black and white dress with red gingham shoes, which would look really cute together.”

Handbags and shoes emblazoned with the pattern are certainly great options for easing the spring staple into your wardrobe, and can be worn well into the colder months in many cases, giving you extra mileage for your money.

“I think a pointed pump, especially one worn with another pop of gingham, is a great way to try this trend on for size,” Paran agrees.

Talk about stepping into spring with style.

Presented by Simons

ABOUT THIS CONTENT: This story was produced by the Edmonton Journal’s editorial department as a result of Simons’ interest in this topic. Simons was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication.

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